Reggae the Seal Enjoys Daily Enrichment Training with Rubber Ducks at Boston Aquarium

The 33-year-old harbor seal uses the toys to practice memory, problem-solving, and focus skills.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal at the New England Aquarium in Boston, uses rubber ducks as part of his daily enrichment training. The playful interactions with the toys help Reggae practice important cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and focus. Aquarium staff say the enrichment activities are essential for keeping animals in human care mentally and physically engaged.

Why it matters

The aquarium's use of enrichment activities for its seals highlights the importance of providing stimulating environments for animals in captivity. By engaging Reggae in playful training, the aquarium is able to support his overall wellbeing and encourage natural behaviors. This approach helps ensure the seals' long-term health and longevity - some have lived over 40 years at the aquarium.

The details

During the training sessions, Reggae chases after rubber ducks, manipulates them with his front flippers, and even appears to hug and pat the toys. Aquarium staff say these activities challenge Reggae to use his senses and problem-solving skills. The training also helps strengthen the bond between Reggae and his trainers, as he responds to verbal cues and physical interactions.

  • Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal, has been a resident at the New England Aquarium in Boston for many years.
  • The aquarium recently posted a video of Reggae's rubber duck enrichment training on social media, drawing attention to the activity.

The players

Reggae

A 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal living at the New England Aquarium in Boston.

New England Aquarium

A public aquarium located in Boston, Massachusetts that is home to Reggae and other marine animals.

Rebekah Miller

The manager of the pinniped area at the New England Aquarium, overseeing the Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions.

Liz Wait

A trainer at the New England Aquarium who works with Reggae during his enrichment sessions.

Hoover

A harbor seal born in 1971 who was raised by a Maine fisherman and later brought to the New England Aquarium, where he gained national attention for mimicking human speech.

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What they’re saying

“He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore. It's a great way to challenge our animals. We want to create challenges for them and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have.”

— Rebekah Miller, Manager of the pinniped area at the New England Aquarium

“You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky.”

— Tom Smith, 13-year-old visitor

The takeaway

The New England Aquarium's use of enrichment activities like rubber duck training highlights the importance of providing stimulating environments for animals in captivity. By engaging Reggae and other seals in playful, cognitively challenging tasks, the aquarium is able to support the animals' overall wellbeing and encourage natural behaviors, contributing to their long lifespans in human care.